Proximity sensor in pulse oximeter

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed for proximity sensing in physiological sensors, and more specifically to using one or more proximity sensors located on or within a physiological sensor to determine the positioning of the physiological sensor on a patient measurement site. Accurate placement of a physiological sensor on the patient measurement site is a key factor in obtaining reliable measurement of physiological parameters of the patient. Proper alignment between a measurement site and a sensor optical assembly provides more accurate physiological measurement data. This alignment can be determined based on data from a proximity sensor or sensors placed on or within the physiological sensor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/014,611, filed Jun. 19, 2014, titled “PROXIMITY SENSOR IN PULSEOXIMETER,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The systems and methods disclosed herein are directed to patientmonitoring, and, more particularly, to pulse oximeter patient monitorscapable of capacitive proximity detection.

BACKGROUND

The standard of care in caregiver environments includes patientmonitoring through spectroscopic analysis using, for example, a pulseoximeter. Devices capable of spectroscopic analysis generally include alight source(s) transmitting optical radiation into or reflecting off ameasurement site, such as, body tissue carrying pulsing blood. Afterattenuation by tissue and fluids of the measurement site, aphotodetection device(s) detects the attenuated light and outputs adetector signal(s) responsive to the detected attenuated light. A signalprocessing device(s) process the detector(s) signal(s) and outputs ameasurement indicative of a blood constituent of interest, such asglucose, oxygen, methemoglobin, total hemoglobin, other physiologicalparameters, or other data or combinations of data useful in determininga state or trend of wellness of a patient.

In noninvasive devices and methods, a sensor is often adapted toposition a finger proximate the light source and light detector. Forexample, noninvasive finger clip sensors often include aclothespin-shaped housing that includes a contoured bed conforminggenerally to the shape of a finger.

Accurate determination of physiological measurements is often dependentupon proper application of the optical sensor to the measurement site.Clip-type pulse oximeter sensors typically include a physical stop nearthe hinge of the housing to indicate desired placement of a user'sfinger or other measurement site within the sensor. However, thephysical stop does not ensure that the patient's finger is positionedfar enough into the sensor. In addition, even if a sensor is initiallyplaced correctly, movement, either of the patient or of the sensorduring artificial pulsing, can longitudinally displace the patient'sfinger within the sensor. This can result in the light source anddetector of the oximeter being positioned around a portion of the fingerthat provides inaccurate physiological measurements.

SUMMARY

The foregoing and other problems are addressed, in some embodiments, byproviding an oximeter with proximity sensing technology that can be usedto determine whether the oximeter is correctly applied to a patientmeasurement site. For example, one or more capacitive sensor electrodescan provide an indication to a processor of the oximeter regardingwhether the sensor is correctly positioned by sensing proximity to theskin of the measurement site. Capacitive sensor electrodes can providedata representing a distance or relative distance between the electrodesand skin of the measurement site. Due to the inverse relationshipbetween capacitance and distance, the sensitivity to the distancebetween the measurement site and the capacitive sensor electrodesincreases as the distance between the measurement site and thecapacitive sensor electrodes decreases. Accordingly, in one embodiment,a plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes can be positioned at variouslocations within the oximeter housing to provide proximity accuratefeedback when the measurement site is located at a number of differentpositions relative to the oximeter. Though discussed primarily herein inthe context of capacitive sensor electrodes, proximity feedback in pulseoximeters can be provided in other examples by optical, mechanical, orelectrical sensors interfacing with skin of a measurement site, or acombination of one or more of capacitive, optical, mechanical, andelectrical sensors.

In some embodiments, capacitive sensor electrodes can be used todetermine the longitudinal displacement of a patient's finger within aclip-type pulse oximeter sensor housing. Using the determineddisplacement, the oximeter can determine whether to provide anindication to the patient or physician to reposition the oximeter. Theoximeter can additionally or alternatively use the determineddisplacement to determine whether to mechanically reposition the opticalassembly of the oximeter relative to the patient's finger. In oximetersimplementing artificial pulsing, the capacitive sensor electrodes canperiodically or continuously monitor the longitudinal displacement ofthe patient's finger within the sensor housing to determine a probe offcondition. These examples illustrate some of the many benefits of anoximeter sensor having proximity sensing technology for determiningpositioning of the sensor relative to a measurement site.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantagesand novel features of the inventions have been described herein. It isto be understood that not necessarily all such advantages can beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the inventionsdisclosed herein. Thus, the inventions disclosed herein can be embodiedor carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage orgroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as can be taught or suggested herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Throughout the drawings, reference numbers can be re-used to indicatecorrespondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided toillustrate embodiments of the inventions described herein and not tolimit the scope thereof.

FIG. 1A illustrates a high-level diagram of an embodiment of aphysiological sensor having proximity sensing capabilities positionedaround a patient measurement site.

FIG. 1B illustrates another embodiment of the physiological sensor ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of aphysiological sensor having proximity sensing capabilities.

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate an exploded view of two components of thephysiological sensor of FIG. 2A when disassembled.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of aphysiological sensor having proximity sensing capabilities.

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the physiological sensor ofFIG. 3A in an open position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a high-level schematic block diagram of an embodimentof a physiological sensor having proximity sensing capabilities.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a circuit formeasuring proximity of a measurement site to a sensor.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process for determining positioning duringsensor application.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process for repositioning an appliedsensor based on proximity sensing.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example process for determining a probe offcondition based on proximity sensing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. Introduction

Implementations described herein relate generally to proximity sensingin physiological sensors, and more specifically to using one or moreproximity sensors located on or within a physiological sensor todetermine the positioning of the physiological sensor on a patientmeasurement site. Accurate placement of a physiological sensor on thepatient measurement site is a key factor in obtaining reliablemeasurement of physiological parameters of the patient. For example, inclip-type pulse oximeter sensors, longitudinal positioning of thepatient's finger within the sensor housing determines which portion ofthe patient's finger is aligned with an optical assembly used togenerate physiological measurement data for determining one or morephysiological parameters. Proper alignment with the optical assemblycovers a detector of the optical assembly with the patient's fingertipand reduces introduction of ambient light to the detector, andaccordingly provides more accurate physiological measurement data. Thisalignment can be determined based on data from a proximity sensor orsensors placed on or within the physiological sensor. Suitable proximitysensors include one or more capacitive sensors, optical scanningsensors, electrical sensors, or mechanical contact sensors.

The proximity data generated by the proximity sensors on or within apulse oximeter can enable provision of more accurate physiologicalmeasurement data. For example, the proximity sensors described hereincan be used to provide an indication to the oximeter to generatefeedback for a patient or physician to reposition an improperly alignedoximeter sensor. In another example, the proximity sensors can be usedto provide alignment information for mechanically repositioning theoptical assembly with respect to the oximeter housing and patientfinger. As a further example, the proximity sensors can be used todetermine a probe off condition indicating that physiologicalmeasurement data obtained during persistence of the probe off conditionshould be discarded due to improper alignment. In additional examples,the proximity sensors can be used to associate distance data withmeasurement data output by the sensor, e.g. for assigning a confidencevalue to the measurement data.

II. Overview of Example Proximity Sensing Physiological MonitoringSystems

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate embodiments of a high-level diagram of anembodiment of a physiological sensor having proximity sensingcapabilities positioned around a patient measurement site. The sensor100 can include a first housing component 110 including an emitter 120and a second housing component 115 including a detector 125. The sensor100 can also include a physical stop 140 to guide the positioning of apatient finger 130 or other measurement site within the sensor 100. Oneor more proximity sensors 145 can be positioned on or within the sensor100.

The emitter 120 can be configured to emit light having multiple primarywavelengths λ_(P) into the tissue of the patient finger 130 or othermeasurement site. The emitter 120 can be comprised of one or moredevices such as semi-conductive light emitting diodes (LEDs), althoughit will be appreciated that other light generating devices may be used.The light emitter 120 may be chosen to emit light at a single knowndiscrete wavelength, at multiple discrete wavelengths, or across aportion of the spectrum (such as that emitted by a “white light” LED),depending on the needs of the particular application. In one embodiment,the emitter 120 consists of two or more diodes emitting light energy inthe infrared and red regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, and aparallel resistor (or resistors) used for security. The construction andoperation of such light source drive circuitry is described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,758,644 incorporated herein by reference.

The detector 125 can be any suitable light energy detector responsive tolight energy from the emitter, for example a semi-conductivephotodetector. The emitter 120 and detector 125 can be aligned such thatthe detector 125 detects the emitted light after attenuation by thetissue of the patient finger 130.

The physical stop 140 can provide tactile feedback to a clinician orpatient positioning the finger 130 within the sensor in order to achieveproper positioning. Proper positioning of the patient finger 130 orother tissue site relative to the detector 125 enables accuratephysiological measurements to be made. In particular, the emitter 120 isplaced so as to illuminate a blood-perfused tissue site 135, such as anail bed, and the detector 125 is positioned so that only lighttransmitted by the emitter 120 and attenuated by pulsatile blood flowingwithin the tissue site 135 is received by the detector 125.

Physical stop 140 can prevent the tissue site 135 from being positionedbeyond the emitter 120 and detector 125, that is, too far into thesensor 100. However, the physical stop 140 does not ensure that thetissue site 135 will be placed far enough within the sensor 100 foradequate transmission of light from the emitter 120 through the tissuesite 135 to the detector 125 to enable clinically accurate physiologicalmeasurements. Accordingly, the sensor 100 can be provided with one ormore proximity sensors 145 positioned within the sensor housing. Theproximity sensor(s) 145 can be used to determine whether the tissue site135 is positioned properly relative to the emitter 120 and detector 125.

Proximity sensor 145 can be a capacitive sensor, in some embodiments,that uses capacitance of the human body as an input to determine adistance between the patient's finger 130 and the proximity sensor 145.In another embodiment, proximity sensor 145 can be an optical scanningsensor, for example a camera or a near-infrared proximity sensor thatuses light to determine how close or far the patient's finger 130 isfrom the proximity sensor 145. In still further embodiments, proximitysensor 145 can be a mechanical contact sensor that determines whetherphysical contact is made between the patient's finger 130 and theproximity sensor 145 mounted on the physical stop 140. Other sensorssuitable for determining contact or distance between patient finger 130and sensor 145 can be used in other embodiments.

As illustrated by FIG. 1A, the physical stop 140 can include a proximitysensor 145. The proximity sensor 145 of FIG. 1A can be used to determinethe distance (or whether there is contact) between the location of theproximity sensor 145 on the physical stop 140 and the end of thepatient's finger 130 nearest the stop 140. The proximity sensor 145 canbe positioned on the physical stop 140 so as to sense or contact aportion of the patient fingertip below the nail, in particular forembodiments in which a capacitive proximity sensor is implemented. Asillustrated by FIG. 1B, an additional array of proximity sensors 145 canbe positioned longitudinally along the finger bed of the second housingcomponent 115. The array 150 of proximity sensors can provide additionalfeedback regarding the longitudinal positioning of the patient finger130 within the sensor 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, an embodiment of a sensor 200 caninclude a two-piece housing and an electrical supply and signal cable210. The housing consists of a first (upper) housing element 275 and asecond (lower) housing element 255, which can be rotatably attached toone another via a pivot element 265. A light emitter can be disposedwithin the upper housing element 275, while a detector can be disposedwithin the lower housing element 255. The housing is adapted to receivethe distal end of a finger as shown in the block diagrams of FIGS. 1Aand 1B, with the “upper” housing element 275 engaging the upper surfaceof the finger, and the “lower” housing element engaging the lowersurface of the finger. It will be recognized, however, that the sensor200 may be used in any orientation, such as with the first housingelement 275 being located below the second housing element 255.Furthermore, the light emitter may alternatively be placed in the lowerhousing element 255, and the detector in the upper housing element 275if desired, subject to modification of other probe components asdescribed further below. It is also noted that while the followingdiscussion describes a series of exemplary embodiments based onmeasuring the optical characteristics of a finger, the sensor 200 may beadapted for use with any number of other body parts, such as earlobes orloose skin, with equal success. Additional details of an embodiment ofthe sensor are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,580,086 entitled “ShieldOptical Probe and Method,” filed on Oct. 19, 1999 and assigned to MasimoCorporation, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The first and second housing elements 275, 255 can be generallyrectangular in form with a pivot element 265 disposed near a common endof each of the elongate housing elements 275, 255. The two housingelements 275, 255 can be biased around the rotational axis of the pivotelement by a biasing element, for example a hinge spring. The upperhousing element 275 can be accordingly biased against the lower housingelement 255 for secure placement on a patient finger or othermeasurement site. The user can grasp the sensor 200 between his or herfingers and separate the probe housing elements 275, 255 by applyingforce counter to the spring biasing force. In this fashion, the usersimply grasps the sensor 200, opens it by applying a light force withthe grasping fingers, and inserts the distal end of the patient's fingerinto the end 240 of the sensor 200. Once the finger is inserted into thesensor 200, the disproportionate compression of the finger (due tointeraction of the angled housing elements 275, 255 and thesubstantially cylindrical finger) and the aforementioned bias springseparating force act to lower housing elements 275, 255 substantiallyparallel to each other, allowing more of the surface area of the upperand lower support surface elements 225, 230 to contact the finger, andfor more even pressure distribution thereon. This assists with accuratepositioning of the finger with respect to the emitter and detector forclinically accurate physiological measurement readings using the sensor200.

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the housing elements 275,255 can include first (upper) and second (lower) support surfaceelements 225, 230, respectively, which provide support and alignment forthe tissue material, such as the finger, when the sensor 200 is clampedthereon. The upper support surface element 225 can be fashioned from asubstantially pliable polymer such as silicone rubber, so as to permitsome deformation of the element 225 when in contact with the fairlyrigid upper portion 280 of the patient's finger. The upper supportsurface element 225 further includes an optical energy shield 250 whichprotrudes from the upper support surface element 225. The shield 250 canbe sized and shaped so as to conform substantially to the outercircumference of the patient's finger, providing at least a partial sealagainst ambient light incident on the probe exterior and otherwiseexposed portions of the finger. In this fashion, patients having fingersof different circumferences can be accommodated with the same sensor 200due to use of shield 250. The lower surface element 230 can be fashionedfrom a substantially solid and rigid (i.e., higher durometer) polymer.This harder, solid polymer can be used for the lower surface element 230since the lower portion of the finger is generally more fleshy anddeformable, thereby allowing the skin and tissue material thereof todeform and contour to the shape of the inner region 285 of the lowersurface element. The inner regions 280, 285 can be contoured to assistin mitigating the effects of patient movement during operation of thesensor 200. Accordingly, the construction of the sensor 200 providessome alignment between the patient finger and the sensor 200 for properpositioning relative to the emitter and detector.

The upper surface element 225 includes an aperture 215 for transmissionof light therethrough after emission by the emitter in the upper housingelement 275. The lower surface element 230 includes an aperture 235aligned with the detector for transmission of light therethrough afterpassing through the measurement site. The apertures 215, 235 allow forlight energy to be transmitted between the light emitter and tissuematerial of the measurement site, and similarly between the tissuematerial and detector. The first aperture 215 is also axially locatedwith the second aperture 235 in the vertical dimension, such that whenthe probe 100 is in the closed configuration with the patient's fingerdisposed between the upper and lower surface support elements 225, 230,light emitted by the light source through the first aperture 215 istransmitted through the finger and the second aperture 235 and receivedby the detector. Hence, the light source, first aperture 215, secondaperture 235, and detector are substantially axial in thisconfiguration.

The lower support element 230 is further provided with a physical stop290 disposed near the pivot element of the sensor 200. The physical stop290 is oriented vertically with respect to the lower support element 230so as to stop the distal end of the patient's finger from being insertedinto the probe past a certain point, thereby facilitating properalignment of the finger within the sensor 200, especially with respectto the source and detector apertures 215, 235. While the presentembodiment uses a semi-circular tab as the physical stop 290, it will berecognized that other configurations and locations of the physical stop290 may be used. For example, the tab could be bifurcated with a portionbeing located on the upper support surface element 230, and a portion onthe lower support surface element 225. Alternatively, the positioningelement could be in the form of a tapered collar which receives, aligns,and restrains only the distal portion of the patient's finger. Many suchalternative embodiments of the positioning element are possible, andconsidered to be within the scope of the present invention.

A proximity sensor 295 is positioned on the physical stop 290 that canbe used to determine whether the patient finger or other measurementsite is positioned properly within the sensor 200. As discussed above,proximity sensor 295 can be a capacitive sensor, an optical scanningsensor, or a mechanical contact sensor, or a combination of two or moreof these sensors in some embodiments. Proximity sensor 295 providesfeedback regarding distance or contact between the patient finger andthe proximity sensor 295 located on physical stop 290, and accordinglycan be used to determine whether the patient finger is aligned with theemitter and detector of the sensor 200. This feedback can be used toprovide a repositioning indication to the user of the sensor 200, tomechanically reposition the optical components of the sensor 200, or fordata filtering, as described in more detail below. Accordingly, thefeedback from the proximity sensor 295 can enable more accuratephysiological measurements using the sensor 200.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another embodiment of a sensor 300. Thesensor 300 shown can include all of the features of the sensors 100 and200 described above.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the sensor 300 in the depicted embodiment is aclothespin-shaped clip sensor that includes an enclosure 302 a forreceiving a patient's finger. The enclosure 302 a is formed by an upperhousing or emitter shell 304 a, which is pivotably connected with alower housing or detector shell 306 a. The emitter shell 304 a can bebiased with the detector shell 306 a to close together around a pivotpoint 303 a and thereby sandwich finger tissue between the emitter anddetector shells 304 a, 306 a.

In an embodiment, the pivot point 303 a advantageously includes a pivotcapable of adjusting the relationship between the emitter and detectorhousings 304 a, 306 a to effectively level the sections when applied toa tissue site. In another embodiment, the sensor 300 includes some orall features of the finger clip described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,437,825,entitled “Contoured Protrusion for Improving Spectroscopic Measurementof Blood Constituents,” filed on Jul. 2, 2009 and assigned to CercacorLaboratories, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.For example, the sensor 300 can include a spring that causes finger clipforces to be distributed along the finger.

The emitter housing 304 a can position and house various emittercomponents of the sensor 301 a. It can be constructed of reflectivematerial (e.g., white silicone or plastic) and/or can be metallic orinclude metalicized plastic (e.g., including carbon and aluminum) topossibly serve as a heat sink including one or more fins 351 a. Theemitter housing 304 a can also include absorbing opaque material, suchas, for example, black or grey colored material, at various areas, suchas on one or more flaps 307 a, to reduce ambient light entering thesensor 301 a. The emitter housing 304 a can also include optical shield307 a to block ambient light from entering the sensor 300.

The detector housing 306 a can position and house one or more detectorportions of the sensor 301 a. The detector housing 306 a can beconstructed of reflective material, such as white silicone or plastic.As noted, such materials can increase the usable signal at a detector byforcing light back into the tissue and measurement site (see FIG. 1).The detector housing 306 a can also include absorbing opaque material atvarious areas, such as lower area 308 a, to reduce ambient lightentering the sensor 301 a.

Referring to FIG. 3B, an example of finger bed 310 is shown in thesensor 301 b. The finger bed 310 includes a generally curved surfaceshaped generally to receive tissue, such as a human digit. The fingerbed 310 includes one or more ridges or channels 314. Each of the ridges314 has a generally convex shape that can facilitate increasing tractionor gripping of the patient's finger to the finger bed. Advantageously,the ridges 314 can improve the accuracy of spectroscopic analysis incertain embodiments by reducing noise that can result from a measurementsite moving or shaking loose inside of the sensor 301 a. The ridges 314can be made from reflective or opaque materials in some embodiments tofurther increase signal to noise ration (SNR). In other implementations,other surface shapes can be used, such as, for example, generally flat,concave, or convex finger beds 310.

Finger bed 310 can also include an embodiment of a tissue thicknessadjuster or protrusion 305. The protrusion 305 includes a measurementsite contact area 370 that can contact body tissue of a measurementsite. The protrusion 305 can be removed from or integrated with thefinger bed 310. Interchangeable, different shaped protrusions 305 canalso be provided, which can correspond to different finger shapes,characteristics, opacity, sizes, or the like. In some embodiments,protrusion 305 can include one or more proximity sensors to determinepositioning of a patient finger over the protrusion 305.

The detector housing 306 a can also include a physical stop 350 toprevent a patient's finger from being longitudinally placed too far intothe sensor for proper alignment with the emitter and detector. Properpositioning of the patient finger or other tissue site relative to thedetector enables accurate physiological measurements to be made. Thephysical stop 350 can include one or more proximity sensors 355 fordetermining distance or contact between the end of the patient's fingerand the proximity sensor 355 to provide feedback regarding alignment ofthe patient's finger with the emitter and detector. As described above,the proximity sensor 355 can be a capacitive sensor, optical scanningsensor, or mechanical contact sensor. Data from proximity sensor 355 canbe used to determine whether the patient finger is aligned with theemitter and detector of the sensor 300. This feedback can be used toprovide a repositioning indication to the user of the sensor 300, tomechanically reposition the optical components of the sensor 200, or fordata filtering, as described in more detail below. Accordingly, thefeedback from the proximity sensor 295 can enable more accuratephysiological measurements using the sensor 200.

In a vascular bed the arterial vasculature is coupled mechanically tothe venous vasculature through the tissues. Although this coupling issmall, the optical arterial pulse, e.g. photo-plethysmograph, hasinvariably a small venous component. This component is not fixed acrosssubjects but its average is indirectly calibrated for in the saturationcalibration curve. Its effect on the arterial pulse is proportional tothe coupling size as well as the difference between the arterial andvenous saturations at the site. Its effects may be explained by thereduction in the optical effect of venous coupling as the deltasaturation between the arterial and the venous is reduced due to theincrease in availability of plasma oxygen. Under this condition, thevenous blood will look, optically, a lot like the arterial blood. Hence,the size of the Red photo-plethysmograph signal will shrink with respectto the IR indicating a shrinking ΔSat, i.e. higher venous saturation. In1995, Masimo Corporation (Masimo) introduced a new technique forcalculation the venous oxygen saturation (SpvO₂) by introducing anartificial pulse into the digit (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,816,incorporated herein by reference).

The sensor 300 depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B can be capable of introducingan artificial pulse into the measurement site. The sensor 300 can inducean artificial pulse at a frequency distinguishable from the frequency ofa human arterial pulse. As a result, information related to both thearterial pulse as well as the artificial pulse is recoverable from thebody. The redundant nature of both pieces of information provideadditional information useful in determining physiological parameters.

Introducing an artificial excitation can cause perturbations in theblood flow similar to the effects of a heart beat. These artificialexcitations can be used as an alternative to the natural pulse rate orin addition to the natural pulse rate. Artificial excitations have theadded benefit that the excitations introduced are introduced at knownfrequencies. Thus, it is not necessary to first determine the pulse rateof an individual.

However, the movement required to generate the artificial pulse cancause movement of the sensor relative to the patient, introducing thevariable of distance into denoising equations for the resultant sensordata. For example, the artificial pulse can dislodge the sensor 300 fromthe patient measurement site or misalign the measurement site with theemitter and detector of the sensor 300. Accordingly, sensor data fromactive pulse sensors typically is filtered to determine probe off andprobe on conditions, where probe on conditions indicate reliable sensordata and probe off conditions include their ordinary broad meaning knownto one of skill in the art, including designating improper applicationof an optical probe to a measurement site, for example due to movementof the sensor relative to the patient caused by artificial pulsing.

Data from the proximity sensor 355 within the sensor 300 can be usedinstead of or in addition to more complex data processing methods todetermine a probe off condition due to improper alignment of themeasurement site and the sensor. For example, if data from the proximitysensor 355 indicates that the measurement site is not properly alignedwith the sensor 300, then the sensor 300 can determine a probe offcondition for the duration of such data from the proximity sensor 335.Accordingly, data from proximity sensor 355 can provide acomputationally simple and accurate means for determining the probe offcondition.

In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to using proximity datato determine a probe off condition, data from the proximity sensor 355can be used to generate a confidence value indicating potential accuracyof measurement data, e.g., plethysmographic data output by a pulseoximeter. For example, during operation a sensor can supply associatedproximity data and plethysmographic data to a patient monitor withoututilizing probe-off detection or probe repositioning. The patientmonitor can then determine a confidence value for each portion of theplethysmographic data based on the associated proximity data, forexample a measured distance between a fingertip and a capacitiveproximity sensor measured at substantially the same time as when theplethysmographic data was captured. Using the confidence values for theplethysmographic data (e.g., to discard certain portions of theplethysmographic data or to assign different weights to differentportions of the plethysmographic data), the patient monitor can estimatepulse rates, respiration rates, and the like for the patient.

FIG. 4 illustrates a high-level schematic block diagram of an embodimentof a physiological sensor 400 having proximity sensing capabilities. Thephysiological sensor 400 includes an emitter 405, detector 410,processor 415, and capacitive sensor 420. In other embodiments thecapacitive sensor 420 can be replaced or supplemented by the other typesof proximity sensors discussed herein. Various embodiments of the sensor400 can also include one or more of a set of optional components such aspositioning feedback indicator 425, repositioning module 430, emitterdrive 440, or detector drive 435. Though not illustrated, the sensor 400can also include memory, a display, connection ports, user interfaceelements, alarms, and other components.

The emitter 405 can be capable of emitting light at one or a pluralityof wavelengths λ_(P) for noninvasive measurement of constituents ofblood flowing within the tissue of a patient measurement site. Theemitter 405 and detector 410 can be aligned so that some or all of thelight λ_(P) is incident on detector 410 after passage through themeasurement site and attenuation by the constituents of the blood.

Intensity signals representing the light λ_(P) incident on detector 410can be sent to processor 415. Processor 415 can analyze the intensitysignals and determine one or more physiological parameter values. Forexample, processor 415 can calculate a ratio of detected red andinfrared intensities, and an arterial oxygen saturation value isempirically determined based on that ratio. Processor 415 can alsoperform noise filtering on the raw intensity signal data, and candetermine probe off and probe on conditions for purposes of excludingunreliable data from use in calculating physiological parameters. Datafrom the capacitive sensor 420 can provide feedback regarding thedistance of a patient measurement from the capacitive sensor, which canbe compared to a threshold to determine whether the sensor and fingerare improperly aligned. The determination of improper alignment can beused by the processor 415 in one embodiment to determine a probe offcondition.

In some embodiments, the processor 415 can generate a repositioningsignal based at least partly on the determination of improper alignmentfrom capacitive sensor data. This signal can be sent, in one embodiment,to positioning feedback indicator 425. Positioning feedback indicator425 can provide visual, audible, or tactile feedback to a user of sensor400 to indicate whether the sensor should be repositioned. For example,sensor 400 may emit a beep or audible alarm when the sensor 400 isimproperly positioned. Sensor 400 may also include one or more visualindications, for example LED lights, that can be used to providepositioning feedback to the user. For instance, a green light may beilluminated to indicate to the user that the sensor 400 is properlypositioned. A red light may be illuminated to indicate to the user thatsensor 400 is improperly positioned. As another example, sensor 400 mayoutput text or voice commands indicating how far the user must adjustthe sensor 400 in order to achieve proper alignment based on theproximity sensor data. Positioning feedback indicator 425 can provide aninitial positioning indication when the user first applies the sensor inone embodiment. In some embodiments, positioning feedback indicator 425can periodically or continuously output positioning feedback to theuser, for example for active pulse sensors introducing an artificialpulse during measurement.

The repositioning signal can be sent, in another embodiment, torepositioning module 430. Repositioning module 430 can use therepositioning signal to generate instructions for mechanicalrepositioning of the emitter 405 and detector 410, for example usingemitter drive 440 and detector drive 435. In some embodiments, emitterdrive 440 and detector drive 435 could be implemented together as asingle optical assembly drive. Emitter drive 440 and detector drive 435can be used to reposition the emitter 405 and detector 410,respectively, according to the data provided by the capacitive sensor420 in order to align the emitter 405 and detector 410 with themeasurement site.

As discussed above with respect to the sensors of FIGS. 1A-3B, thecapacitive sensor 420 can be placed within the body of the sensor 400 togauge longitudinal displacement of a patient's finger relative to thesensor 400 and, more specifically, the optical assembly including theemitter 405 and detector 410. In some embodiments, multiple capacitivesensors can be positioned along a longitudinal axis of the sensor 400for additional data as the patient's finger moves within the sensorhousing.

III. Overview of Example Capacitive Proximity Sensor

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a circuit 500that can be used to determine proximity of a patient measurement site toa physiological sensor. The circuit includes a capacitor 515 and aresistor 505. Here the capacitance, C, can be calculated according toEquation (1), below:

$\begin{matrix}{C \propto \frac{A}{d}} & (1)\end{matrix}$where the capacitance, C, is proportional to the area, A, of thecapacitor divided by the distance, d, between the capacitor plates. Thecapacitor 515 has two plates 510, 520. The first capacitive plate 510 isintegrated or connected to the physiological sensor, for example aphysical stop near the hinge of the housing of clip-type pulse oximeter,or in an array along the longitudinal axis of the surface of a fingerbed of clip-type pulse oximeter. The second capacitor plate 520 is theskin surface of the patient measurement site, with the assumption thatthe patient is a capacitor. A typical adult has a capacitance of about120 pF, however capacitance of different people will vary. Accordingly,the distance, d, between the capacitor plates 510, 520 represents thedistance between the location of the capacitive sensor within thephysiological sensor and the surface of the patient measurement site. Inorder to obtain the value of the distance, d, from Equation (1), thevalues of both the capacitance, C, and the area, A, must be known. Thearea can be predetermined based on the dimensions of the firstcapacitive plate 510.

The capacitance can be determined from the value of the resistance, R,of the resistor 505 and the value of a time constant, τ, of the circuit500. The time constant of the circuit 500 can be calculated according toEquation (2), below:τ=RC  (2)where the time constant, τ, is equal to the resistance, R, times thecapacitance, C. Hence, the distance, d, between the capacitor plates510, 520 can be calculated through the combination of Equations (1) and(2) through the measurement of the circuit time constant. Accordingly,as a distance between a patient measurement site, such as a digit of ahand, and the capacitor plate 510 decreases, the time constant τincreases and the capacitance C increases.

In one embodiment, the time constant τ can be determined from the timerequired to trip a set voltage level, such as about 2.2 volts, given apower supply of known power, such as about 3.3 volts. Although notillustrated, a processor or microprocessor can be in communication withthe circuit 500 to measure the time constant. The determined timeconstant τ can be used to calculate the capacitance, C, using Equation(2). The capacitance C can then used to calculate the distance orrelative distance through Equation (1). Accordingly, as a distancebetween a patient measurement site, such as a digit of a hand, and thecapacitor plate 510 decreases, the time constant τ increases and thecapacitance C increases.

The value of the distance d can be used to provide a repositioningindication to the patient or physician, to mechanically reposition theoptical assembly of an oximeter sensor, or to determine a probe offcondition for removing potentially unreliable data from a physiologicalmeasurement data set. In some embodiments, a number of circuits 500 canbe provided within an oximeter for precise determination of longitudinaldisplacement of a patient finger within the oximeter housing.Accordingly, at least one of the repositioning indication, opticalassembly repositioning, or probe off can be based on a number ofdistance values corresponding to each of the circuits. Although anexample capacitive circuit 500 is depicted, this is for purposes ofillustration and in other embodiments other capacitive circuitarrangements can be used. For example, other suitable circuits caninclude amplifiers, additional resistors, and other elements, forinstance to amply the signal to noise and to minimize changes tocapacitance based on environmental changes.

IV. Overview of Example Proximity-Sensing Physiological MonitoringProcesses

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process 600 for determining positioningduring sensor application. The process 600 can be implemented on anyphysiological sensor including proximity sensing capabilities, forexample the physiological sensors illustrated in FIGS. 1A-FIG. 4.

At block 605, a physiological sensor is provided with at least oneproximity sensor. For example, one proximity sensor or an array ofproximity sensors can be provided including capacitive, optical,electrical, or mechanical proximity sensors, or a combination thereof.The proximity sensor can be configured to determine distance or contactbetween a measurement site and itself, and can be positioned within thesensor so as to provide feedback regarding alignment of the measurementsite and optical components of the sensor.

At block 610, the patient measurement site location is detected usingthe proximity sensor. For example, using a capacitive proximity sensor,a distance between a capacitive plate in the sensor and the capacitiveskin of the patient can be determined. An optical scanning proximitysensor can also determine a distance between the sensor and a patientmeasurement site. In another example, using a mechanical contactproximity sensor, it can be determined whether the patient measurementsite has contacted the mechanical contact proximity sensor, such as bydepressing a button.

At block 615, the measurement site location can be compared to preferredpositioning. The preferred positioning can include a range of placementsrelative to the optical components of the sensor that are likely toproduce clinically accurate physiological measurements. To illustrate,if a capacitive proximity sensor is used on a physical stop in a pulseoximeter finger clip sensor such as is depicted in FIG. 2A, 2B, 3A, or3B, a distance of approximately 4 mm-10 mm between the capacitiveproximity sensor and the patient fingertip can correspond to properpositioning of an adult finger with respect to an LED emitter anddetector. In one embodiment, a distance of approximately 6 mm betweenthe capacitive sensor and the fingertip can indicate preferredpositioning of the finger within the sensor. Other ranges can be used toindicate preferred placement in other sensor configurations, for otherfinger sizes, or for other measurement sites.

At block 620, the sensor can optionally cause the sensor to output arepositioning indication. For instance, in one embodiment of a pulseoximeter finger clip sensor such as is depicted in FIG. 2A, 2B, 3A, or3B having a capacitive sensor on a physical stop, if the capacitiveproximity sensor data indicates that the patient fingertip is closerthan approximately 4 mm to the capacitive sensor or farther thanapproximately 10 mm from the capacitive sensor, the sensor may output arepositioning indication. In some embodiments, the sensor may output afirst positioning indication when the sensor is correctly positioned andmay output a second positioning indication when the sensor isincorrectly positioned. The second positioning indication may be avisual, auditory, or tactile signal alerting the user that the sensor isincorrectly positioned, and in one example may include specificinstructions regarding how to reposition the sensor for properplacement.

Process 600 can be implemented when a user first applies a sensor to ameasurement site to indicate proper positioning. In some embodiments,blocks 610-620 may be repeated one or more times during measurement togauge whether the sensor positioning continues to be proper or whetherthe sensor should be repositioned. Repetition of this measurement sitelocation detection and comparison portion of process 600 can bebeneficial, in one example, in active pulse oximeters that introduce anartificial pulse to a measurement site and therefore possibly introducemovement of the sensor relative to the measurement site. Repetition ofblocks 610-620 can also be beneficial, in another example, in patientmonitoring situations in which the patient can move during the time inwhich the sensor is worn and therefore may dislodge the sensor.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process 700 for repositioning an appliedsensor based on proximity sensing. The process 700 can be implemented bythe components of any physiological sensor including proximity sensingcapabilities, for example the physiological sensors illustrated in FIGS.1A-FIG. 4.

At block 705, a physiological sensor is provided with at least oneproximity sensor. For example, one proximity sensor or an array ofproximity sensors can be provided including capacitive, optical,electrical, or mechanical proximity sensors, or a combination thereof.The proximity sensor can be configured to determine distance or contactbetween a measurement site and itself, and can be positioned within thesensor so as to provide feedback regarding alignment of the measurementsite and optical components of the sensor. The physiological sensor alsoincludes an optical assembly, for instance an aligned emitter anddetector as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-FIG. 4, forgenerating intensity signals from which to determine physiologicalsignals.

At block 710, the sensor determines longitudinal displacement of apatient finger in the physiological sensor using the proximity sensor.Many pulse oximeters are contoured to naturally center a patient fingerwithin the sensor, and therefore the proximity sensing discussed hereinfocuses primarily on determining longitudinal displacement. However, inother sensor embodiments displacement of the measurement site along avertical or horizontal axis of the sensor may alternatively oradditionally be determined. For example, using a capacitive proximitysensor, a distance between a capacitive plate in the sensor and thecapacitive skin of the patient can be determined. An optical scanningproximity sensor can also determine a distance between the sensor and apatient measurement site. In another example, using a mechanical contactproximity sensor, it can be determined whether the patient measurementsite has contacted the mechanical contact proximity sensor, such as bydepressing a button.

At block 715, the sensor determines whether it the patient measurementsite is correctly positioned relative to the optical assembly based onthe proximity sensor data. As discussed above, for capacitive proximitysensors the distance between the capacitive proximity sensor and theskin of the measurement site can be compared to a threshold or to arange of acceptable positions to determine whether the measurement siteis correctly positioned. For a mechanical contact sensor producing abinary contact or no contact output, the correct positioningdetermination may be made based on the binary output.

If the measurement site is positioned correctly relative to the opticalassembly, then the process 700 ends. If the measurement site is notpositioned correctly relative to the optical assembly, then the process700 transitions to block 720 in which the sensor mechanicallyrepositions the optical assembly to achieve proper alignment with themeasurement site. For example, capacitive sensing data can be used todetermine a distance to mechanically move the optical assembly along thelongitudinal axis of the sensor.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example process 800 for determining a probe offcondition based on proximity sensing. The process 800 can be implementedby the components of any physiological sensor including proximitysensing capabilities, for example the physiological sensors illustratedin FIGS. 1A-FIG. 4. Some embodiments of process 800 can be implementedon an active pulse sensor capable of introducing an artificial pulseinto a measurement site.

At block 805, a physiological sensor is provided with at least oneproximity sensor. For example, one proximity sensor or an array ofproximity sensors can be provided including capacitive, optical,electrical, or mechanical proximity sensors, or a combination thereof.The proximity sensor can be configured to determine distance or contactbetween a measurement site and itself, and can be positioned within thesensor so as to provide feedback regarding alignment of the measurementsite and optical components of the sensor.

At block 810, the sensor optionally introduces an artificial pulse tothe patient measurement site, such as a finger positioned within a pulseoximeter. As discussed above, the artificial pulse can assist inobtaining more reliable measurement data, however it can also causemovement of the sensor relative to the measurement site, therebyaffecting proper positioning of the sensor on the measurement site.

At block 815, the patient measurement site location is detected usingthe proximity sensor. As discussed above, in some embodiments of afinger clip pulse oximeter the sensor may be placed on a physical stop,and may be oriented to determine longitudinal displacement of thepatient finger within the sensor relative to the optical assembly. Inone example, using a capacitive proximity sensor, a distance between acapacitive plate in the sensor and the capacitive skin of the patientcan be determined. An optical scanning proximity sensor can alsodetermine a distance between the sensor and a patient measurement site.In another example, using a mechanical contact proximity sensor, it canbe determined whether the patient measurement site has contacted themechanical contact proximity sensor, such as by depressing a button.

At block 820, the measurement site location can be compared to preferredpositioning data to determine whether the oximeter is correctly appliedto the measurement site. Preferred positioning data can be stored inmemory of the oximeter, for example a read-only memory (ROM). Thepreferred positioning can include a range of placements relative to theoptical components of the sensor that are likely to produce clinicallyaccurate physiological measurements. In one embodiment, if a capacitiveproximity sensor is used on a physical stop in a pulse oximeter fingerclip sensor such as is depicted in FIG. 2A, 2B, 3A, or 3B, a distance ofapproximately 4 mm-10 mm between the capacitive proximity sensor and thepatient fingertip can correspond to proper positioning of an adultfinger with respect to an LED emitter and detector. As an example, adistance of approximately 6 mm between the capacitive sensor and thefingertip can indicate preferred positioning of the finger within thesensor. As discussed above, other ranges can be used to indicatepreferred placement in other sensor configurations, for other fingersizes, or for other measurement sites.

At block 825, the sensor determines based on the comparison of block 810whether the oximeter is correctly applied to the measurement site. Ifthe sensor is not correctly applied, then the process 800 transitions toblock 830 in which the sensor, for example a processor of the sensor ora processor of another device connected to and receiving data from thesensor, determines a probe off condition for discarding the data takenwhile the sensor was not correctly applied. In some embodiments, adefault may be to determine a probe on condition for including data, anddata may only be discarded when a probe off condition is determined fora time or range of times during which sensor data was gathered atimproper positioning.

After determining the probe off condition at block 830, or if the sensoris determined at block 825 to be correctly applied, the process 800transitions to block 835 to determine whether measurement is continuing.If measurement continues, then the process 800 loops back to block 815to determine the measurement site location and to repeat blocks 820 and825. Once measurement has concluded, for instance when the sensor ispowered off or if the sensor detects that the patient measurement siteis no longer at least partially within the sensor housing, then theprocess 800 ends.

V. Terminology

Although many of the examples discussed herein are in the context ofpulse oximetry, this is for illustrative purposes only. The sensors,signal conditioning techniques, and proximity sensing applicationsdiscussed herein can be adapted for other physiological sensorsmonitoring other physiological parameters or multiple physiologicalparameters.

Many other variations than those described herein will be apparent fromthis disclosure. For example, depending on the embodiment, certain acts,events, or functions of any of the algorithms described herein can beperformed in a different sequence, can be added, merged, or left out alltogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for thepractice of the algorithms). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts orevents can be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threadedprocessing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processorcores or on other parallel architectures, rather than sequentially. Inaddition, different tasks or processes can be performed by differentmachines and/or computing systems that can function together.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and algorithm stepsdescribed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can beimplemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinationsof both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware andsoftware, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, and stepshave been described above generally in terms of their functionality.Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or softwaredepends upon the particular application and design constraints imposedon the overall system. The described functionality can be implemented invarying ways for each particular application, but such implementationdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the disclosure.

The various illustrative logical blocks and modules described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented orperformed by a machine, such as a general purpose processor, a digitalsignal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmablelogic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor,but in the alternative, the processor can be a controller,microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or thelike. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computingdevices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a pluralityof microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with aDSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described hereinprimarily with respect to digital technology, a processor can alsoinclude primarily analog components. For example, any of the signalprocessing algorithms described herein can be implemented in analogcircuitry. A computing environment can include any type of computersystem, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on amicroprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, aportable computing device, a personal organizer, a device controller,and a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few.

The steps of a method, process, or algorithm described in connectionwith the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly inhardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in acombination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory,flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, harddisk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium, media, or physical computer storageknown in the art. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to theprocessor such that the processor can read information from, and writeinformation to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storagemedium can be integral to the processor. The processor and the storagemedium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. Inthe alternative, the processor and the storage medium can reside asdiscrete components in a user terminal.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,”“may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or states are in any way required for one or moreembodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logicfor deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed inany particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,”“having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in anopen-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features,acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in itsinclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, forexample, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some,or all of the elements in the list.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may beeither X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z).Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and shouldnot, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at leastone of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” shouldgenerally be interpreted to include one or more described items.Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended toinclude one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devicescan also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations.For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B andC” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation Aworking in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry outrecitations B and C.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features as applied to various embodiments, it will beunderstood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in theform and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be madewithout departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As will berecognized, certain embodiments of the inventions described herein canbe embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features andbenefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practicedseparately from others. It should be emphasized that many variations andmodifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, theelements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptableexamples. All such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A physiological monitoring system comprising: anoptical assembly including an emitter configured to at least emit lightat one or more wavelengths when in use and a detector aligned with theemitter to detect at least a portion of the light, the detectorconfigured to at least generate intensity signals representing detectedlight when in use; a sensor housing configured to at least accept ameasurement site of a patient, the sensor housing comprising: a firsthousing component including the emitter, a second housing componentincluding the detector, and a proximity sensor positioned on one or bothof the first housing component and the second housing component; and aprocessor configured to at least: receive data from the proximity sensorrepresenting positioning of the measurement site relative to theproximity sensor, based at least partly on the data from the proximitysensor, determine that a distance between the proximity sensor and themeasurement site does not correspond to correct positioning of themeasurement site relative to the emitter and the detector, and based atleast partly on the distance, generate instructions for at least onedrive to reposition one or both of the emitter and detector to alignwith the measurement site.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein theproximity sensor comprises a capacitor.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein the proximity sensor is configured to generate capacitive sensordata representing a distance between the measurement site and theproximity sensor.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the processor isconfigured to determine the positioning of the measurement site relativeto the emitter and the detector based at least partly on the distancebetween the measurement site and the proximity sensor.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, the second housing component comprising a physical stoppositioned to contact the measurement site when inserted into the sensorhousing and configured to assist in positioning the measurement siterelative to the detector.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein theproximity sensor is located along a surface of the physical stop.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, the second housing component comprising a finger bedincluding a generally curved surface shaped generally to receive themeasurement site, the finger bed including an aperture over thedetector.
 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a plurality ofproximity sensors positioned in an array along a longitudinal axis ofthe finger bed.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensorcomprises one or more of an optical, mechanical, or electrical sensorconfigured to interface with skin of a measurement site.
 10. The systemof claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: determineimproper alignment of the measurement site and detector based at leastpartly on the distance; and generate a repositioning signal indicatingthat the measurement site should be repositioned within the sensorhousing.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is configuredto generate the instructions for the at least one drive based at leastpartly on the repositioning signal.
 12. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising the at least one drive, wherein the at least one drive isconfigured for mechanically repositioning the one or both of the emitterand the detector along a longitudinal axis of the sensor housing basedat least partly on the instructions.
 13. The system of claim 1, whereinthe processor is configured to compare the positioning of themeasurement site relative to the emitter and the detector to a preferredpositioning.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor isconfigured to determine improper alignment based at least partly oncomparing the positioning of the measurement site relative to theoptical assembly to the preferred positioning.
 15. The system of claim14, wherein the processor is configured to determine a probe offcondition based on the improper alignment, and to discard any dataobtained from the detector during persistence of the probe offcondition.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor isconfigured to determine one or more physiological parameter values basedon the positioning of the measurement site relative to the emitter andthe detector and on the intensity signals received from the detector.17. The system of claim 16, wherein the processor is configured togenerate a confidence value for each portion of the intensity signalsreceived from the detector based on corresponding data received from theproximity sensor.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein, to determine theone or more physiological parameter values, the processor is configuredto discard or assign a weight to each portion of the intensity signalsreceived from the detector based on the associated confidence value.